The next morning, Kelsie received the official offer letter from Sterling & Associates. The starting salary was more than she expected.
"We were very impressed by your academic record and the tenacity you showed in your interview," the HR rep said on the phone. "The partners felt you were a perfect fit for our culture."
Kelsie closed her eyes. It was a real offer. She had earned it. The relief was so profound it almost brought her to her knees.
She wanted to celebrate. She wanted to scream. But she looked at the trash can with the broken card. She looked at the text from the hospital billing department. She had no choice but to be pragmatic.
"I accept," she said, her voice steady.
She unblocked Cornelius for five seconds. She typed: I will pay you back for everything. Stay out of my life. Then she blocked him again before the message could even show as 'Read'.
"Kelsie!" Joanne burst into the room, beaming. "Great news! I set you up!"
"Mom, no."
"His name is Caleb. He's a pediatrician. Good family. Not Wilder good, but respectable. He's taking you to Le Coucou tonight."
Kelsie wanted to say no. But then she thought of the engagement. She thought of Cornelius's psychological games in the car. She needed to move on. She needed to prove she could exist without him.
"Okay," Kelsie said. "I'll go."
That evening, Le Coucou was dimly lit and romantic. Caleb was... nice. He was handsome in a safe way, with kind eyes and a nervous laugh. He asked her questions and actually listened to the answers.
"So, corporate law?" Caleb smiled over his wine. "You must like a challenge."
"I like order," Kelsie smiled. It was a genuine smile. For the first time in months, she felt like a normal twenty-four-year-old.
Then, the air in the restaurant changed. It grew heavier.
Heads turned near the entrance. Cornelius walked in, Emerald hanging onto his arm. He was wearing a tuxedo, looking devastatingly handsome and utterly terrifying.
The Maître D' hurried over. "Mr. Wilder, right this way."
He led them to the prime table. The table directly next to Kelsie and Caleb.
Kelsie froze, holding her menu up like a shield.
Cornelius sat down. As he adjusted his napkin, his eyes locked onto Kelsie. Then they slid to Caleb. His expression was utterly neutral, a chilling void of warmth that seemed to assess Caleb not as a person, but as a temporary obstruction.
"Kelsie! Oh my god, what a surprise!" Emerald chirped, waving.
Kelsie lowered the menu slowly. "Hi, Emerald. Cornelius."
"Is this a date?" Emerald asked, leaning in. "He's cute!"
Caleb smiled politely. "I'm Caleb. Nice to meet you."
Cornelius didn't smile. He stared at Caleb's hand, which was resting near Kelsie's wine glass.
The waiter arrived with a platter of oysters for Caleb.
Before Caleb could even lift his fork, Cornelius caught the waiter's eye with a slight raise of his chin. "The Sauvignon Blanc," he said, his voice carrying easily to their table, "is an interesting choice. We, however, will have the '08 Sancerre. It's the only thing that won't clash with the salinity of the Belons."
The waiter, flustered, scurried away. Caleb's smile faltered, the oyster forgotten on its bed of ice. Cornelius didn't look at him again. His gaze settled on Kelsie, cold and possessive, and it was in that look she understood. He wasn't just ruining the oysters. He was ruining the evening.
